Yesterday I was wiped out with a sinus headache.  So, I pulled out an oldie and watched The Thorn Birds.  For those that haven’t seen it, this classic was written by Colleen McCullough.  She’s a fabulous writer! This move also won 6 Emmy Awards.

Having not seen it for years, I was able to look at it objectively. Why were these characters so memorable? My number one discovery was passion, pure and simple.  These two characters Meggie Cleary, and Father Ralph de Briccasart were destined. You could feel the passion between them; a look, a moment away from prying eyes, a simple touch.

Their path to one other was challenging.  How more difficult could it be than a woman in love with a priest?  Or a priest in love with a woman?

The secondary characters were full, and broadened the canvas in a very special way. I identified with them, and “knew” them as ordinary people doing amazing things within the family unit.

The ingredients Colleen mixed into her storyline were betrayal, lust, honor, rejection, acceptance, and too many others to count.  I loved the scope of her story, and the fact I cheered them all on. I cared about their problems, and their lives.

You can’t go wrong when a reader or, in this case, a viewer is drawn into a story and kept there.  I love those moments as a reader, movie fan, and writer.  That’s my hope whenever I start a story.  Memorable is what it’s all about.  The words on the DVD box are: Love, unattainable, forbidden, and forever.  I’d say that spells great entertainment.

What characters, or story have made a memorable impression with you? 

Hey all!  I’ve been tagged by my friend, Cynthia Eden.  And I must say, this is really a fun one.  Since I’m reading Cindy’s book now, HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT, I’m using it.  I just started it recently, so this will be a future peek for me.   

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people and post a comment to the person who tagged you once you’ve posted your three sentences

Hotter after midnight

If she felt the taint of darkness or power that was too uncontrolled, she gave a nice, polite speech about how she wasn’t taking any new clients right then.

“Vanessa told Brooks that Michelle never arrived for her appointment.”

And he thought Michelle and Gillian were one and the same. “Why would she use an alias? I mean, I wouldn’t know her either way.”

Since many of my gal pals got in on those first few tags, I’m sending a blanket invitation.  Anyone who’d like to participate, keep me posted and I’d love to read your blog!

Wow, it occurred to me that my TBR pile is climbing and getting higher.  I’m reading, BAND OF ROSES, written by Pat McDermott a fellow Tiger author. Cynthia Eden’s newest release, HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT, is on it’s way, and will be added to my stack soon.  Marica Colette’s, UNSTABLE ENVIRONMENT, has been on pre-order and hopefully will arrive this week. Still waiting to get my hands on that book, Marcia!  These beautiful titles keep coming, and I’m loving it.

Please share any new releases you know of, and or any great books you’re currently reading.  I’ll add them to my list.  I do have many of your books on my TBR pile now, and it just keeps growing!  And that’s a beautiful thing. 

My very first review for BUTTERFLY WISHES is up  now at Book Pleasures, and I can’t tell you how pleased I am with it.  Jennifer Andrew coveyed the heart of my story, and for that I’m very grateful.

Artists are willing to open the door to possibilites, in the quest to express themselves.  When I think of originality, Elvis Presley comes to mind. The powers that be got nervous when it came to marketing this guy, because he didn’t fit into the neatly constructed molds they had on their shelves.  He drew music from his soul, and it poured out in unique ways from the shake of his hips, to the curl of his lip.  He sang Rock and Roll in a spiritual, soulful way that drew you in and kept you there.

As a lifelong Elvis fan, he was a household name during my growing up years.  In fact, his records were like a timeline throughout my childhood.  I connected to his music, and he awakened this energy inside me.  I heard originality in his voice, and knew there would never be anyone quite like him.

Some artists have achieved this in wondorous ways, and we know it when we see or hear it.  A song, painting, movie, or between the pages of a novel, we can discover magic and I love that.  Art is one of the greatest beauties in this world, and finding it all around us is like finding hidden treasures. 

I’m so happy to know so many of the magical ones! You all bring beauty to people’s lives.

As promised, today’s blog is all about receiving my author copies Tuesday.  I’m not sure words can do the moment justice, but I’ll try.

They came in a white box, and when I met the UPS guy–yes, I saw him and ran outside–I nabbed the box the second he held it out to me.  I was alone, and it was perfect actually.  I ran inside and grabbed the scissors, cutting the tape quickly.  My first glimpse was in slow-motion.  I saw the blue spines with my name lined up.  The soft cover and glossy feel, when I grabbed one, felt lovely.  I flipped it open, reading the dedication to my hubby.  A quick flip of the pages, fanning my face, and back again.  My name and title flying with the motion.  Then a smile, and deep sigh rushing out. 

That about sums up those first few seconds, and I’m still carrying the essence with me today. I have one copy on my desk, spine out, so I can see it when I work.  I imagine a row of them, all different, but all dreams realized.  I’m buying an enclosed corner shelf for my office, to keep them fresh looking.  I’m keeping one just to touch and carry from room to room if I want.  It’s wierd carrying a dream on the outside, when I carried it inside for so long. 

One thing that made me smile was seeing my daughter’s name next to my photo, and in the front of the book listed as photographer.  We dreamed this dream together, at different moments, and now it’s sharing the same space.

I have many more dreams, and I look forward to holding them when it’s time.  I thank you all for sharing my journey with me.  May we all experience and share those moments of holding our dreams together!

I’d love to hear about a dream you’ve held; books, pets, baby, jewelry, vacation plans, etc! I know there’s some great stories out there.

Hey all, I’ll be over at Fierce Romance today, and I’d love for you to join me! Vonda Sinclair interviewed me, and I hope to see you all there!  And in a couple of days, I’ll share the experience of holding my book for the first time!

I’m always blown away by the sincerity and generosity of the writing community.  As a debut author, I’m pretty much an unknown outside of this community.  My books haven’t been on the shelf before, and no one has read my stories.  But, people beleive in me, and have shown me in many ways. These are the things that have touched me this week.

To all of you who visit my website, I thank you.  Edie did my first interview at Magical.  She recently posted a blog  highlighting her friend’s accomplishments this year, and was very generous. So many listed, and it was so fun to read.  Michelle, our “blog mommy”over there, makes sure all our books are displayed and is there in every sense of the word for all of us.  Liz and Jan complete our family, and Magical is a very special part of my life.  Cynthia Eden surprised me with a special blog highlighting my book, and I was blown away.  I just went over, and there it was. I was invited by Vonda Sinclair to be a guest at Fierce Romance next Tuesday for an author interview, and I was thrilled to accept.  And the last special gift this week was Karin, highlighting me as her April author in her quickie section. Acts of kindness all done behind the scenes, and under the radar. And many of you have mentioned my title in your blogs, added me to your links, and it always touches me deeply.  I thank you all!  A gal couldn’t ask for better friends. And you make me smile, and that’s gold!

I’m waiting for my books to arrive, so I can share the experience with you all.  Just wanted you to know I’m not being a blog slacker.  I know they’re on the way, so it should be tomorrow or the next day.  I’ve had a grand time reading some of your blogs about the thrill, and to think I’m next is well…such a moment of gratitude!

I’ll share with you soon!   

Spring is in the air here, we just wish it would settle down and stay that way.  Ball practice for the little ones has started, and wildflowers are trying to peek their heads above the brown tinge winter left behind.  I’m looking forward to cooking on the grill, and going barefoot on the back deck.  Hubby and I bought a gas grill last year, having worn the previous one out.  I love having potted plants on the deck, and look forward to planting colorful flowers in my small garden.  I’ll be buying a new umbrella for our small table.  Working back there whenever the weather cooperates sounds like heaven! And I look forward to that first boat ride on the lake, with our heads tipped back and the wind in our hair.

I love sunshine, and always feel energized from the rays.  I have a small window in my office, but it doesn’t show much…just treetops.  My daughter gave me a lovely beach scene that lights up, and I have that across from my desk.  The open cottage doors in the scene, and the cool, blue ocean and white sand totally take me there.  I love wind chimes too, and have them across my front porch, under the eaves, and one in my office.

All of these things inspire me, and I’m looking forward to the heightened senses that spring and summer bring.  What’s the weather like where you are, and what are some of your favorite things? 

On a note, happy birthday to my big brother, Marv! You’re the best, and I love ya.